The 'Line'
For most of us, a line is an endless one-dimensional object, which has a starting point but no endpoint. For some of us, this changes when we get to architecture school. For most architects, a line, as described by architect Le Corbusier, refers to an architectural element that defines boundaries and separates spaces.
At the beginning of 2023, we were given the task of downsizing an existing Mercedes Benz showroom in Vadodara, Gujarat. We were also to utilise half the space for a Volkswagen Showroom. A line was introduced into an enclosure to create two separate spaces, for two different brands. While incorporating two showrooms next to each other had its challenges of permissions and brand norms, bringing the two spaces together and separating them with a line became an interesting process.
Both the brands that reside next to each other in this one location, not only have different values but also have different design ideologies for their spaces. While Volkwagen represents practicality and reliability, Mercedez represents luxury and prestige. The design of these spaces also symbolises these values. Volkswagen deploys orthogonal lines and cosy interiors to reflect practicality and reliability, whereas Mercedez uses angular lines, radial geometries and black interiors to radiate a sense of luxury. Both brands create individual worlds right next to one another. Two worlds, that are separated. Separated, by a line.
To me, the line becomes most interesting when it begins to break. When it changes from a solid line of a wall to an imaginary dotted line. One that begins to merge the people of both worlds. For example, the line breaks in the parking area, where a series of planters create a broken boundary between both brands. This also happens in the back office area, where government regulations require a fire door between the spaces, hence breaking the solid line into a more dotted one. The line separates the two worlds, but as the line breaks, it allows both worlds to come together.
While Corbusier rightly described the line as a separator of spaces, I would personally like to see more dotted lines in architecture. Lines, that can bring people and spaces together, instead of separating them.